September is Obesity Awareness Month. According to Department of State Health Services, in Texas 66.8% of adults were overweight or obese in 2009, with the number rising.
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/obesity/NPAOPdata.shtm
Obesity has become an epidemic in our country. Most adults are overweight and are raising children that are following in their footsteps more and more. Many who are overweight struggle with chronic health issues that stem from the risk factors that are linked to disease. One of the highest risk factors to people is a diet low in fruit and vegetable consumption, which is probably the easiest thing that an individual can address to improve their health.
If you are like most people, this time of year is a time of adjustment. Kids are back in school, you just got done indulging over the Labor Day weekend, using the extra day off to eat badly and be lazy. Don’t feel alone, but this is a good time to reset your resolve. It is tough to change a lot of behaviors all at once and have any of the changes be something that stick, so if you are not currently following a wellness plan that includes clean eating and daily exercise, find ways that you can implement small changes, a little at a time. If you do have a current program, keep it up! Don’t lose your momentum. Add something new to the mix and take one step closer to your goal.
The most important first step is readiness to change. You’ll need to identify your reasons for wanting to make positive changes. If you can’t commit to your wellbeing, your likeliness for success is near impossible. Decide you are worth it and value yourself enough to really make a commitment.
Find something that you enjoy. If you can’t stand the process, you will have difficulty making it a part of your daily life. Don’t like to run? Then walk. Or try a Zumba class. Some people surprise themselves when they try an activity like Crossfit and love the challenge of the workout. Others may try it and decide that their good old Jane Fonda tape is still more their speed. Swimming is another great, low-impact activity to try out. Do you feel like the only thing you enjoy is sitting on the couch? Well, then keep trying to find a physical activity that you enjoy. It’s out there. If the only thing you find enjoyment in is being sedentary, it’s important that you talk to someone. Most people do not actually enjoy being lazy, they feel poorly, feel guilty and feel ashamed in many cases. It is possible that you may be dealing with a medical issue such as hormonal imbalance or depression, so talk to your doctor to see if there is an underlying issue that they can help with.
Drink water. Then drink some more water. It’s easy. If you need to pick one small change, this would be my number one tip. If you are one of those people that say you just don’t like water, then try Sassy Water (with ginger, limes, mint, etc.) or add Crystal Lite type products if you must. Drink water… just do it already.
Eat an apple. Yep- it’s a cliché, but it’s a darn good one. Keep them on hand and eat one or two every day. They taste good, are about the easiest thing you can take along with you. Maybe get some raw almonds to eat with it as your daily snack.
Replace old habits with something new. Fitness and overall wellness is not a one-size-fits-all plan, it’s as individual to every person within the same guidelines of eating healthy and getting active, but what that looks like for you is going to be different than what that looks like for me.
There are a lot of other things that you can add to your life, especially as you become more motivated to work toward your goals. Maybe your new habit could be trying a vegan recipe for dinner twice a week. Maybe it is a morning walk before work. Maybe it’s joining a fitness class two days a week rather than couch surfing. We have a journey on this planet, we can get “better” or we can get “worse” so keep looking for what it is that will work for you, the alternative is a grave one…. Literally.
Liz Jones is a wellness professional in Rockwall, Mesquite, Wylie and surrounding areas. She is a writer, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer and wellness coach. She holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management, with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Leadership. Her undergraduate studies included communication, business, writing, art, fitness, and dance. Liz Jones can be reached at: [email protected].